The problem might be deeper if you are experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, etc. The diagnosis of Lyme disease becomes easier when bull’s eye rashes appear. Other clinical manifestations include severe joint pain, facial nerve paralysis, tiredness, etc.
You may wonder if gastrointestinal symptoms occur as a result of Lyme disease. Sometimes, these gut issues may be the only signs that can be observed in a patient.
The incidence of misdiagnosis becomes high when only gastrointestinal symptoms are noted. In this blog, we will together explore the gastrointestinal symptoms of Lyme disease.
What are the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, like:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Heartburn
If you develop Lyme disease, the bacteria will directly affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to inflammation. These digestive issues can result in immune dysregulation, causing chronic infections. In later stages of the disease, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the GI tract.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Our gut has an intestinal lining that acts as a barrier, regulating the entry of substances out of the digestive system and into the circulation. This lining can be compared to the blood-brain barrier that secures the brain from infection. When the disease progresses, the bacteria cross the barrier and reach the nervous system. This can result in neurological manifestations.
In leaky gut syndrome, bacteria, toxins, etc, can enter the bloodstream through the barrier. Inflammation and health problems occur when the intestinal lining becomes weak. Low fiber/high sugar content can cause leaky gut syndrome. Apart from diet, this condition can also be caused by high levels of stress and alcohol consumption.
The majority of the immune system of the body lives inside the gut. It is important to maintain a healthy microbiome to fight against infections. Lyme disease is an inflammatory condition, and patients are prone to food allergies. The imbalances in the gut microbiome can further worsen the inflammation that affects the immune response and leads to compromised health.
As a result, the overall clinical symptoms can worsen and delay the recovery from Lyme disease.
Can antibiotics worsen gastrointestinal symptoms?
It has been estimated that global use of antibiotics increased by 65% in the years between 2000-2015. Antibiotics can result in major changes in the gut microbiome that can result in long-term consequences on health.
According to the studies, antibiotic use is responsible for gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel disease, etc. The functions of human gut microbiome include:
- Production of antimicrobial substances
- Stimulating IgA production.
- Maintaining the integrity of intestinal epithelium
- Regulating the function of immune system
- Stimulation of peristalsis
Antibiotics can affect the diversity of gut microbiota and cause disruption in the balance that exists between different species of gut microorganisms. Intake of antibiotics can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms as it kills the beneficial microorganisms in the gut. When antibiotics are used for an extended period, the gut microbiome can be affected, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Antibiotics can also cause Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which causes the entry of bacteria into the small intestine from the large intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhoea, etc. SIBO is seen in Lyme patients who are under antibiotic treatment for a prolonged period.
Candidal overgrowth occurs when antibiotics kill the bacteria that control the growth of yeast. When the patient is under antibiotic treatment, it is important to include probiotics in the diet that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
